What does leadership look like in a grocery store? For students in the Special Education Foundation’s Fred Saigh Leadership Academy (FSLA), the answer became much clearer during a recent behind-the-scenes visit to Save A Lot in Florissant.
As part of FSLA’s September session, “What Is Leadership?”, students explored how leadership happens every day—not just from people with a title, but through teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving, and serving others.
Store Manager Erin Pichee welcomed the students and led them on a tour of the store, giving them a look at the many moving parts that keep a grocery store running. Students explored different departments, learned about stocking and organization, and even got a behind-the-scenes look at the loading dock and how products—including ice cream—make their way from delivery to the sales floor.
And, of course, the students had plenty of questions!
“It was so fun to get their questions and see what excites them,” Erin shared after the visit. “Who knew that going to the loading dock and finding out how the ice cream makes it to the sales floor would be something they’d like to learn about?”
The experience also gave students the opportunity to think about the many career paths available in a grocery store and the skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
A Little Extra Generosity
Save A Lot made the experience even more special by sending each student home with a Save A Lot T-shirt and a $5 gift card to use in the store. The store also donated snacks and water that can be used at upcoming SEF and student events, including the FSLA car wash. In addition, Save A Lot donated personal care items that will be available through Special School District Care Closets and Food Pantries, helping provide useful resources to students and families who may need them.
FSLA Students Put Leadership Into Action at Car Wash
After spending the morning learning about leadership behind the scenes at Save A Lot, Fred Saigh Leadership Academy (FSLA) students put their leadership skills into action that afternoon with a car wash at the Special School District’s Central Office.
As part of the experience, students were asked to choose the charities they wanted their fundraiser to support. After discussing the options, they unanimously voted to donate all of the proceeds to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
The decision was personal for many of the students, who know family members, friends, or others in their lives who have been affected by cancer. Their choice reflected not only what they care about, but the kind of leaders they want to be—leaders who listen, make decisions together, and give back to their community.
And they put in the work!
On the day of the car wash, the students raised $493.40 for Cardinal Glennon. Every car washed, every donation, and every person who stopped by helped the students turn their leadership lessons into meaningful action.
Still Want to Support the Students?
If you were unable to attend the car wash but would still like to support the students' fundraiser, you can make a donation of any amount by Sunday, September 20.
The students will present their fundraising check during their October FSLA session, when they visit the Saigh Foundation. It will be a special opportunity for them to celebrate what they accomplished and see how their actions can make a difference for others.
